The RHS Chelsea Flower Show (21st to 26th September 2021) will be a particularly interesting event this year because it is the first one to be held in autumn. For the first time in 108 years the show will include displays featuring seasonal plants such as asters, dahlias, pumpkins and other autumn harvest fruit and vegetables. It will be exciting to see the different colour palettes and textures that later flowering plants bring.
A flower show organiser says, “For many designers, the change in season has provided a rare opportunity to work with exciting new plants, which you wouldn’t usually see at RHS Chelsea and I am so looking forward to seeing the array of later summer and autumn flowers and plants that will be on display – it is going to be an incredible and unique sight.”
Some of the planting trends that will be unique this year include :
Grasses
A Chelsea inspired display at Perrywood
Ornamental grasses are set to be a strong feature this year. There will be a display of solely ornamental grasses in the Great Pavilion.
Grasses provide a unique texture and sculpture to garden borders and are easy to grow and maintain. Read our ‘How to’? Introduce Ornamental Grasses guide.
Trees
From the RHS
Lots of Trees will be present at Chelsea this year. The RHS Queen’s Green Canopy Garden, designed by David Dodd will sit on the largest plot at the entrance to the show and will feature 21 large trees. The trees will include multi-stemmed Swedish birch, hornbeam and beech and will stand among a floor covering of grassland and a colourful wildflower meadow. The purpose of the garden is to celebrate the beauty of trees and woodland environments and to encourage people to take part in The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative (lookout for more details coming soon about this and how to get involved).
Seedheads
Seedheads will be a highlight this year, featuring in many gardens and displays. Leaving seedheads intact gives structural interest to borders during autumn and into winter, they look spectacular when covered in the morning frost. They also provide food for garden birds. Some of the amazing seedheads to look out for at Chelsea include the foxglove (Digitalis ferruginea) , teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) and turkish sage (Phlomis russeliana)
Late summer flowers
Late summer flowers at Perrywood (Aster, Penstemon, Alstroemeria, Dahlia)
Autumnal colours of gold and burgundy are expected to be popular colours this year. Bright, bold and colourful seasonal flowers such as alstroemeria, asters, dahlias, penstemon and autumn flowering varieties of camelia will be strong contenders. Autumn is the best season to plant perennials as the soil is still warm to help roots establish and the ground should be wetter which is essential for newly transplanted plants. Read our ‘How to’? Create a Garden Border for lots of tips and a step by step guide.
Look out for more news on the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2021.